Loire Valley, France

100% Chenin Blanc from a selection of small holdings just north of Breze in the neighbouring village of Saint Cyr en Bourg on sandy clay soil over limestone. Whole-bunch pressed, the free-run juice is fermented with natural yeast and no added SO2 in stainless steel tank. Matured on fine lees for about five months, with partial malolactic conversion. Attractive pure and primary chenin fruit vinified totally dry with ample body to the palate supported by good acidity giving a wine of surprising texture and immediate pleasure. Un-fined, filtered at bottling. DAVID BURKITT, Vintage and Vine